With a rich mosaic of farmland, lush vineyards, and vibrant communities just beyond Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley is a flavourful and fun escape for families. Only an hour from the city, along the Rainforest to Rockies Trans-Canada Highway route, parents can sip locally crafted wine while the day unfolds with wonder for the whole family. 

The Fraser Valley’s Circle Farm Tours are self-guided experiences that bring your family closer to fresh ingredients, home-made goodies and the passionate growers and producers who make it all possible. Whether wandering through farmers’ fields or popping into boutique wineries, fill your table with artisanal delights and discover a world of fun that inspires curiosity in both adults and children. Along the way, take time to learn about the diverse First Nations cultures through educational experiences that deepen your connection to this land.

Day 1: Urban Sips

Surrey is a welcoming, multicultural city known for its global cuisine, expansive green spaces and family-friendly attractions. While wineries don’t immediately come to mind when you think of Surrey, 1st R.O.W. Estate Winery is worth a visit for wine-curious parents on the go to enjoy a quick 20-minute tasting experience. Named after its three founding partners (Ruan, O’Connell, and Wang), 1st R.O.W. pours four thoughtfully selected wines and the opportunity to chat with the sommelier. 1st R.O.W. Varietals are crafted in partnership with growers from the Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley, bringing the bold, sun-ripened character of BC’s Interior to the city’s edge.

As one of the largest cities in Metro Vancouver, Surrey is brimming with kid-friendly activities, from nature trails to indoor pools and immersive experiences. Step back in time at Historic Stewart Farm, where costumed interpreters, heritage gardens, and riverside trails bring the past to life. For high-energy fun, head to Central City Fun Park where an arcade, a rollerskating rink, mini golf, and bowling invite fun under one roof. Slowing it down, the Surrey Nature Centre is an interpretive space to learn about the natural world. Don’t forget to pick up an activity backpack or fishing rod from the front desk. Meanwhile, the Honeybee Centre, Western Canada’s biggest honey farms, is an educational hub to learn about the fascinating world of bees.

Nearby in New Westminster, Pacific Breeze Winery is Canada’s first “garagiste” (garage) winery. Family-owned and operated, this urban winery is celebrated for its full-bodied reds and vibrant, crowd-pleasing whites. Settle in for a tasting flight, a glass, or a bottle, or cool off with a wine slushy. Light snacks are available, and on select days local food trucks roll in, so be sure to check their social channels when planning your visit.

Photo: Backyard Vineyards

Day 2: A Charming Country Escape to Langley

The quaint high street of Fort Langley, featured in many a Hallmark movie, sets the stage for a family getaway to the Langley area, filled with culture, community and cuisine. Together, Langley Township and the City of Langley offer a delightful mix of vineyards, farms, and fun that caters to all ages. 

In Langley Township, pay a visit to Backyard Vineyards, where a cozy-yet-sophisticated tasting room pours exciting BC wines from single-varietal, to blends, to sparkling. During the warmer months, you can grab snacks and dine al fresco on Picnic Hill (which is also dog-friendly). During the holidays, the vineyard hosts craft workshops and special events, wine bottle painting, wreath-making, and seasonal selfies with Grinch. 

Just 10 minutes away, Glass House Estate Winery greets guests in their welcoming space or expansive outdoor garden, which is perfect for relaxed family gatherings and leisurely lunching with a view. As a family-run estate with Dutch roots, the atmosphere is inviting and ideal for those traveling with kids in tow. Their restaurant, The Lodge Steakhouse, delivers a local and seasonal menu with thoughtful wine pairings and hearty dishes. 

Langley is bursting with family experiences that pair beautifully with your adventure. On the outskirts of town, get up close and personal with alpacas at Kensington Prairie Farm. Just 20 minutes away, Maan Farms Estate Winery bridges the gap between palate pleasing and play: berry wine tasting, U-pick berries in the summer and a full range of fall activities, including their signature haunted corn maze. Aviation enthusiasts can take their passion to new heights at the Canadian Museum of Flight.

Urban adventuring is just as fun in the City of Langley. Hop in a go-kart and hit the Fast Track Indoor Karting & PlayZone or go on a self-guided tour of the Downtown Langley Mural Walk, where community stories come to life in a splash of colour.

Photo: Whispering Horse Winery by Destination BC/Hubert Kang

Day 3: Valley Thrills in Abbotsford & Chilliwack

In Abbotsford and Chilliwack, rolling farmland meets the mountains, the perfect finale to your family wine country adventure.

Start your day in Abbotsford, home to boutique wineries and a rich agricultural heritage. At Cannon Estate Winery, you can enjoy elegant, small-batch wines and wander the spacious grounds to take in the snap-worthy views. Their restaurant, Calibre by Cannon, serves a contemporary menu that gives a nod to European cuisine. Be sure to try their happy hour and daily specials, and check their events calendar for live music.

Just a short drive away in Yarrow (a rural community in Chilliwack), the family-run Whispering Horse Winery is a boutique gem that produces wines made from 100% estate-grown grapes. Named after its ranching roots, Whispering Horse specializes in traditional method sparkling wines, as well as crisp, aromatic whites and rosés. Visit their bright tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows and pick up grazing snacks and a bottle or two for an open air picnic.

Abbotsford’s family activities are equally memorable. Head to Taves Family Farm for seasonal fun like U-pick apples and pumpkins, a petting barn and a jumping pillow that’s a hit with little ones. Just down the road, EcoDairy blends education with fun, teaching kids about sustainable farming through hands-on exhibits and ice cream tastings. For classic family entertainment, stop by Castle Fun Park for mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games.

In Chilliwack, you and the kids can embrace the great outdoors with a splash at Cultus Lake Waterpark or hike a forested trail in Lindeman Lake or Teapot Hill. Animal lovers won’t want to miss Fantasy Farms, which hosts harvest festivals, farm tours, and educational play zones on a seasonal basis. If you’re visiting in spring, Botanica Tulip Festival showcases a colourful array of fresh flowers, while Greendale Acres offers seasonal fun, including the Chilliwack Corn Maze in the fall and holiday lights and train rides in the winter.

Where to Dine in the Fraser Valley

In the lush, fertile heart of the Fraser Valley, wine and food come together in delicious harmony. Many wineries in the valley embrace farm-to-table philosophies, offering everything from charcuterie boards to gourmet meals crafted with regional ingredients. Families can also enjoy a cornucopia of home-baked treats and signature dishes at restaurants and eateries in valley communities. 

Langley’s Wendel’s Book Store Cafe in Fort Langley is a quaint storefront and delectable baked goods and grab-and-go treats (plus wine for the parents). At the Canadian-owned franchise, Cactus Club Cafe in Abbotsford, the global menu is paired with a wide range of BC wines. In Chilliwack, Bozzini’s serves up European-inspired comfort foods like pastas, seafood specials, signature steaks, and pizza.

Photo: Cultus Lake by Destination BC/Local Wanderer

Where to Stay in the Fraser Valley

Communities in the Fraser Valley offer a variety of accommodations to suit the unique needs of families. Groups looking for a rustic getaway can stay in a cabin or campsite, while those looking for more amenities can stay in a larger hotel right in the heart of it all. The Hampton Inn & Suites/Langley Surrey is located near several attractions and Willowbrook Shopping Centre. The Sandman Signature Langley Hotel boasts a pool and on-site restaurant. Chilliwack’s proximity to lakes, mountains, rivers, and trails inspires a natural setting like The Cabins at Cultus Lake, which is conveniently located beside the waterpark.

Getting Here

Located just an hour east of Vancouver, the Fraser Valley is the first major stop as you head east along the Rainforest to Rockies route via Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Leave the bustling city in your rear view mirror and embrace the patchwork quilt of farms, fields, and vineyards.

Plan Your Trip

Looking for more trip-planning inspiration? Our Winery Finder helps you discover wineries across British Columbia and filter by the experiences that matter most to you.